Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati review: 3 Studs, 3 Duds in Week 5
By Andrew Hall
![Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats safety Ja'von Hicks (3) defends in the second half of the NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 24-13.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 229 Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats safety Ja'von Hicks (3) defends in the second half of the NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 24-13.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 229](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d76050e163323f21b98f858581175ef69ab9973434a83097e758f267cffc22d3.jpg)
Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati review: 3 Studs, 3 Duds in Week 5
Studs
Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer led the Fighting Irish in receptions and yards with eight catches for 93 receiving yards. That is not why he is on this week’s stud list. Mayer gutted out an injury in the 4th quarter.
He has been playing with a groin injury since camp. Trainers pulled him from the contest several times much to his dismay. Mayer is a classic throwback Notre Dame football player; extremely talented, tough, and relentless.
Cam Hart
Since moving to the field cornerback position, junior Cam Hart has exploded in production. He intercepted two passes against Wisconsin. Hart continued his excellent play against Cincinnati with two tackles, 0.5 tackle for loss, and a pass defended. He will continue to grow over the remainder of the season and become one of the best defenders on the Irish defense.
Braden Lenzy
For weeks, coaches gambled on senior wide receiver Braden Lenzy. He finally made a big play against Cincinnati. His 32-yard touchdown reception brought the Irish within three points of the Bearcats.
It was the type of grab Lenzy failed to make in the previous four games. He leaped and made a 50-50 ball into an Irish touchdown. Lenzy finished with 4 catches for 61 yards and a score.